Folks,

I am looking to replace my 20 year old battery wires/cables to 454 starters .... batteries are 12 feet away. Current wires are soggy and the old arc-welder type. What gauge wire and type should i use?

As always - Thanks

Swamp

I'd use this type

Always go with the biggest cable. 0000 or 4/0 I bought mine off ebay. Also get the right size lugs for the end and crimp the lugs onto the cable. Dont solder the ends, the solder wicks up into the cable and makes the ends stiff.

Your local welding shop should have some good size cable, its used for the ground strap. Just make sure the strand count is high

Battery cables are important as it all goes by length of runs and amps for cable sizing. MPI . EFI engines it is very important to have all that correct. Here is a chart that I just search for that is show what I am talking about. I wished I could find a better chart.

https://www.westmarine.com/WestAdvis...e-And-Ampacity

Marine Wire, Boat Wiring & Marine Electrical - BestBoatWire.com

Copy and paste from the 1998 7.4LX MPI Bravo installation manual.
I don't agree with MerCruiser on soldering the ends, a good crimp is better. But if you don't have a good crimper --- solder is second best.
Welding cable doesn't meet ABYC specs due to the insulation isn't rated for the temps that can be encountered in the bilge.



Battery Cables
Select proper size positive (+) and negative (–) battery cables, using chart. Battery should be
located as close to engine as possible.

IMPORTANT: Terminals must be soldered to cable ends to ensure good electrical contact. Use
electrical grade (resin flux) solder only. Do not use acid flux solder, as it may cause corrosion
and a subsequent failure.

Gasoline Engines

Cable Length Cable Gauge
Up to 3-1/2 ft. (1.1m) 4 (25mm2)
3-1/2 - 6 ft. (1.1-1.8m) 2 (35mm2)
6 - 7-1/2 ft. (1.8-2.3m) 1 (50mm2)
7-1/2 - 9-1/2 ft. (2.3-2.9m) 0 (50mm2)
9-1/2 - 12 ft. (2.9-3.7m) 00 (70mm2)
12 - 15 ft. (3.7-4.6m) 000 (95mm2)
15 - 19 ft. (4.6-5.8m) 0000 (120mm2)

the tinned wire prevents corrosion,i have seen non tinned wire that was completely corroded under the jacket.the boat owner replaced the battery,s and starters and still had the problem.corroded wire has a hard time carrying current.